Crystallization Quick Start v2.0

What Changed in v2.0

Added COMPLEXITY field — triggers Streamlined vs. Full path selection
Added Session Opening request — Claude now explicitly declares mode back to you
Streamlined minimal template — Claude asks fewer questions when you give more upfront

1. Standard Crystallization (Mode 2)

Full Template UPDATED

I'm bringing a conversation for crystallization. SOURCE: [ChatGPT / Gemini / Claude / Human / Other] TOPIC: [Brief description] COMPLEXITY: [Pre-structured / Diffuse / Unsure] ← NEW MODE: 2 (Crystallization) — Find what's load-bearing. OUTPUT PURPOSE: [Webinar / TikTok / Handout / Reference / Marketing / Documentation] Begin with Session Opening, then run the Crystallization Protocol. [PASTE CONVERSATION HERE]

New: COMPLEXITY field — If "Pre-structured," Claude uses streamlined path (~10 min). If "Diffuse," Claude uses full protocol (~30 min). If "Unsure," Claude assesses and declares.

2. With Known Artifact Type

Type-Declared Template UPDATED

I'm bringing a conversation for crystallization. SOURCE: [Source] TOPIC: [Topic] COMPLEXITY: [Pre-structured / Diffuse / Unsure] MODE: 2 (Crystallization) ARTIFACT TYPE: I believe this is a [TYPE] — confirm or challenge after reading. OUTPUT PURPOSE: [Purpose] [PASTE CONVERSATION HERE]

3. Diagram-First (Mode 4)

Interrogation Mode NO CHANGE

MODE: 4 (Diagram-First) The goal is a [ARTIFACT TYPE] for [topic]. OUTPUT PURPOSE: [Purpose] Ask me questions until it converges.

Mode 4 doesn't need complexity hint — Claude interrogates until structure emerges regardless.

4. Minimal (When Rushed)

Quick Start UPDATED

Mode 2. [Pre-structured / Diffuse]. Crystallize this: [PASTE CONVERSATION HERE]

Minimum viable prompt. Claude will declare mode, confirm complexity assessment, and ask about output purpose before rendering. Adding "Pre-structured" or "Diffuse" speeds up triage.

5. Brain Dump (New) NEW

Unstructured Input NEW

MODE: 2 (Crystallization) COMPLEXITY: Diffuse — this is messy, help me find structure. OUTPUT PURPOSE: [Purpose or "Undecided"] Run full protocol. Here's my brain dump: [PASTE MESSY NOTES / THOUGHTS / FRAGMENTS]

Use this when you DON'T have a conversation — just scattered thoughts. Explicitly declares "Diffuse" to trigger full protocol with Crystallization Report.

Output Purpose Options

Webinar backdrop
TikTok/YouTube explainer
Student handout
Internal reference
Marketing material
Documentation
Social media image
Loom/video backdrop

Artifact Types

Stack Diagram
Flow Diagram
Concept Map
Boundary Diagram
Before/After Diagram
Roadmap Document
Capability Table
Decision Tree
Gotcha List
Dashboard

Complexity Options NEW

Pre-structured — Clear themes, insights explicit, one dominant candidate → Streamlined path
Diffuse — Many tangents, insights scattered, competing candidates → Full protocol
Unsure — Let Claude assess after reading

What Claude Will Do

Session Opening: Declare mode, confirm input type, flag complexity
Triage: Select Streamlined or Full path
Pre-Render: Confirm DISTILL, declare artifact state, apply fail-safe
Render: Only after checkpoints pass